CANADA: Non to Separatism

"This will be the most important
election in Canada's history," declared Quebec Premier Robert
Bourassa. Hyperbole aside, last week's Quebec elections did involve
something less parochial than the issues that normally dominate the
politics of provincial Canada. At stake: whether Quebec would remain in
the Canadian confederation or opt out.

When the returns were in, Bourassa's Liberal Party had buried the
separatist opposition, winning 102 out of 110 seats in the assembly.
Despite the landslide, the separatist Parti Québécois did score a
victory of sorts. By winning six seats, it became the...